Weekending

Another weekend flew by in a blink of an eye. And this weekend was far less busy than the previous several have been for me.

Friday started off with lunch with some of my dear friends who are in town for Burning Man. Side note: I would love to go to Burning Man some year (may have missed my time though) to experience it all, especially with how close it is. Anyways, that evening I had a facial/massage and it was needed. Though my esthetician said the left side of my body is really out of whack. Super tight and retaining water.

 Received this gem when I was at my appointment

Saturday was spent running errands (Target, Total Wine, Whole Foods) and doing household chores. Then we went to my in-laws house for dinner and to see my sister-in-law. Plus the girls turned 8 months on Saturday (post coming soon).

Sunday we headed up to the beach again. So much fun. And my sister-in-law came with us. It wasn't the warmest day (and kind of windy), but we all enjoyed ourselves. Especially the girls.

Daddy and Avery

Mommy and Sutton

Sunday night I had my first Fantasy Football draft. I would say I did decently considering there was 12 teams. Plus I had two babies to help attend to. Luckily, my husband watched the girls for the most part and allowed me to draft and drink some wine. Win! Next one is next Monday with a six team group. Hopefully I can keep up with my teams this year.  

Our weekend flew by and we have a pretty busy week this week. We have our first home football game this week (Thursday) and the Rib Cook-off Wednesday night (which is date night!) and then we are going camping this weekend. Lots of fun ahead.

How was your weekend?

Twin Fall Favorites

So much going on in my head lately. And it mainly has to do with the holidays. So many holidays are coming up and that means I need festive clothes for the girls, first baby Christmas ornaments, planning a trip to Apple Hill, first and last time camping this year, 1st birthday party for the girls and a trip that is in the works.

I am so excited for everything that Fall has to offer. Plus I am not pregnant this upcoming winter season and that means I can go snowboarding again. Please oh please let it snow a ton this year. Momma has a date with her handsome husband on the hill while her babies are getting spoiled at the grandparents house.

So I thought I would post some of my Fall/Winter favorites for the girls.

 Halloween Costumes for twin girls via Pinterest

 Thanksgiving Outfit

Recreating this for our Christmas photo? So darling. We need to figure out our Christmas photo and photos for the girls' first birthday.

image

1st birthday outfits? via Etsy

Baby's First Christmas Ornament via Etsy

So excited to celebrate the next few months with our sweet baby girls (who will be 8 months this weekend). So many fun times ahead. Next week, they will go to their first of many Nevada Wolf Pack Football games. Don't worry, we have all their football gear ready.

Any ideas you have for me for my girls this holiday season? I already have their "big" birthday presents picked out. Yes I am that mom.

20 Questions Tuesday

After reading one of my favorite blogs (September Farm) yesterday, I decided to copy/steal borrow the subject of her post.

A game of 20 questions. And I figured now is as good of a time as any other since I have some new readers (thanks by the way!).

1. FAVORITE FOOD?
Italian. I love pasta and pizza. I could live on those every single day, but I would be 400 pounds if I did. My cousin makes the BEST meatballs EVER. Mouth watering, moist (such a gross word) and flavorful. Get in my belly. Oh that's right, they were Sunday night (family dinner).

2. FLIP FLOPS or HIGH HEELS?
A few years ago I would have told you high heels. I love me some high heels, but now that I am a mommy, wearing high heels isn't that practical. I usually chose flats, boots or sandals. But I do still covet high heels and slap them on for special occasions (like the wedding I was in on Saturday).

3.  FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP...FOR ME!
J Crew, Banana Republic and Nordstrom.

4. STANDARD COFFEE ORDER?
The largest vanilla latte. But sadly, we are cutting back on going out for coffee, so on weekdays I get french pressed coffee with some half and half made by myself or my husband (oh the horror, right?).

5. ROAD TRIP MUST HAVE SNACK?
Beef jerky. Hot and sweet or teriyaki. Best snack ever.

6. DIY or HIRE IT OUT?
I love DIY projects, but sometimes you end up spending more time, effort and money to DIY. So some crafts (like wedding stuff, some household items, some baby stuff, etc) I will DIY and the big stuff, I hire out (like our upcoming kitchen remodel).

7. TOP 5 TV SHOWS?
Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, Orange is the New Black, Breaking Bad, Gossip Girl

8. FAVORITE BOOK?
This one is hard because I love reading on my kindle app, but don't get to do it as often now since I have two little ones running around.

9. FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE?
Cardio. I like lifting weights, but there is nothing like running (especially outside), biking or the eliptical to burn all that Italian food off.

10. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
Almost 5'9"

11. DO YOU TRY SOMETHING NEW AT RESTAURANTS OR STICK TO YOUR FAVORITES?
I stick to my favorites a lot, but I am willing to branch out. Plus my husband always makes me try new things at places like Thai, Indian, etc.

12. ONE MAKEUP ITEM YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT?
Mascara. I am not blessed with the longest eyelashes. I feel naked without it. But my husband on the other hand, has long gorgeous lashes. Hopefully our girls get his lashes.

13. WHAT'S ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
Lamp, picture from our wedding, baby monitor, ring box.

14. ONE THING MOTHERHOOD HAS TAUGHT YOU?
One that, that's it? Geez it has taught me a lot about myself. Patience and chores can wait. It is best to soak up all the baby snuggles you can get because soon they won't want to cuddle. And having two babies, I have learned a bit about patience. It is still a work in progress, but definitely a must with two.

15. MUSIC THAT REMINDS YOU OF HIGH SCHOOL?
Ha. Punk music. I recently put some of my favorite punk bands into my pandora stations and my husband wasn't so sure what to think. He was into hip hop when he was in high school and I loved the punk music. Makes for an interesting road trip.

16. IF YOU COULD LIVE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD OTHER THAN YOUR CURRENT CITY, WHERE?
Again, so many choices. I would love Oregon for the West Coast, New York for the East Coast, Florida for the South and Texas for the mid-South. And as for out of country, some place in Europe.

17. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU WE MIGHT NOT KNOW
I am deathly afraid of sharks, but find them so fascinating that I often google them. Example: I google great white shark attack videos at least a couple times a year (weird and gross I know). Growing up I wanted to be a doctor or nurse, and I still want to be a nurse. I constantly kick myself in the butt that I chose IT instead of nursing (technology always wins). I have had eight surgeries and those don't include mole removals (one of mine was really bad and required a lot of stitches).

18. WEBSITES YOU READ // BROWSE (besides blogs)
Tahoe Unveiled, Buzzfeed, Perez Hilton (love celebrity gossip), Instagram, Drudge Report

19. MORNING PERSON or NIGHT OWL?
I am becoming more and more of a morning person. I like to get up early (due to my children) and get a lot done during the early morning hours. But I used to be a night owl. Again, children change that.

20. WHAT'S YOUR BEST FEATURE?
My butt. I used to have an awesome bubble butt. Now it isn't quite as lovely after having children, but I am getting it back. Love glut exercises and having a nice tight butt.

Wanna join in? Send me your blog post link so I can get to know you more!

Wedding Weekend

My feet are sore, I have a few bruises and I am tired, but I had the BEST weekend. And I actually made it out alive. It was a crazy busy weekend, but filled with so much love, friendship, food and champagne.

As I mentioned on Friday, we had to take Avery to the pediatrician for her clogged tear duct, and guess what, that is exactly what she has. So we have to massage under her tear duct by rubbing 10 small circles and then massage downwards along her nose. This is to hopefully break up the clog. And if we can't get it to do that, then she can see an eye doctor to see what our next course of action will be.

 Little Miss Avery and momma

Then I got my toes done and another appointment for the girls. Their helmets are off, the doctor took some measurements and they are looking great. So happy for my girls.

I headed up to Montreux Golf Course and County Club for the wedding rehearsal. We rehearsed and it was a scary walk down the aisle. Huge slope on pavement. But a gorgeous location. Then we went to the rehearsal dinner. So much fun hanging out with my friends!

 Bridesmaids with the bride!

Saturday morning I was up bright and early. After hanging out with my girls in the morning, I headed to GSR to meet the bridal party at 7:30 am. From there we headed to the bride's friends house for the days festivities. We had brunch, lunch, got our make up done, hair done, some DIY projects, girl time and spent the day getting ready for the wedding.

 Stacey and I before the ceremony

At 4 pm we headed to the wedding site and watched our friends Nick and Nathalie get married. Beautiful vows. I did cry.

All of the bridesmaids

We took pictures and headed back to cocktail hour where I met this handsome man of mine.

Stunners

And this gorgeous friend of ours

We ate, drank, danced and had the most amazing time.

 Bridesmaid fun

Mike and I cupcake cheersing

 Cake

Cupcakes and cake pops by Cake on Sunday

The gorgeous bride and her mom

After the wedding, we headed back to the GSR (Grand Sierra Resort) to go to Lex for more dancing and fun. My husband and I never go to clubs, so it was fun and a change of pace. We danced even more and stayed up so very late.

Sunday we slept in, went to brunch and went home to our babies who we missed so very much.

 Sweet Sutton with mommy

Sweet Avery girl

We capped off our weekend with a family dinner of Italian food. So good. I need to go on a cleanse pronto. It was an amazing weekend and I am sad to see it end and be back to work on Monday. But my body is glad it is done. 

How was your weekend?

Wedding Friday

Friday is here and I have survived my crazy busy week so far, but there is still time for a meltdown before end of day. I have a busy day planned starting right after work, so I am using my work time to get work done and blog a bit. Once work is done, I am off to a doctor's appointment for my Avery girl. She has a clogged tear duct and we need to see what to do about it. Then it's grabbing lunch on the run, getting a pedicure, running home (if I have time) to change, going to the girls final helmet appointment (final measurements and care instructions) then off to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Busy lady here.

And I have to try to squeeze in some time with my ladies. I haven't seen them much this week due to all the evening appointments, but I did get some quality time in with them yesterday. And even some one on one time with Sutton when her sister took a cat nap. Love my girls!

Tomorrow is Nathalie's wedding and I can't wait to share her day with her. Thanks for letting me be a bridesmaid and stand up next to you while you marry Nick (whom we introduced to you!). We love you both!

Now onto my link up. Most likely will be random because I am throwing this together on the fly.

One. Coffee. I can't get enough of it lately. I love it. I need it to survive. We bought a french press, kettle and awesome coffee for work and I have been downing it all day every day. We have been buying from local roasters and it is so good. Plus it saves us soooooo much money ($4 lattes for two everyday hurts the pocketbook). And I am sure I will need coffee all day tomorrow unless my little ladies both sleep through the night (I am looking at you Avery).

Two. Nat's Wedding. I love weddings and reminisced my own wedding Monday (2nd Anniversary). I can't wait for tomorrow.

MOH Nathalie and I at my wedding

Three. Weekend away with my husband. This wedding weekend comes at a good time (right after our anniversary) and I get to have an overnight with my husband sans babies. This is huge. We have each spent a night or 7 (husband) away from the girls, but never together. Sure we have date nights where we have someone watch the girls, but this time we get a whole night away. Don't get me wrong, I love my girls so much and hate being away from them. But we need a husband and wife evening every once in awhile too. Next time it will be a weekend in Napa/Sonoma!

Four. Football. The first Nevada Wolf Pack game is less than two weeks away. I have been enjoying some preseason NFL games and getting ready for my fantasy football draft. I am in two leagues and I had other offers. Two is going to be hard to handle this year with babies, but I got this. Even more funny, my husband isn't playing this year. Only me and in two leagues. At least he won't have to lose to me AGAIN. Go Pack and Niners!

Five. Halloween. I know Halloween is still months away, but I am starting to think of costumes for the girls. I have seen lots of twin ideas on the web, but I want cute girl twins ones. I see mostly boy/girl costumes. Any suggestions? Can you believe the girls will be 8 months next Saturday? Time flies.

Six. I had to throw in that my girls are eating like champs now. We have tried a ton of purees and so far they have liked them all except green beans and avocado, but they liked avocado in a mix we did. They have had squash, sweet potatoes (a big favorite), apple sauce, mangos, banana, rice cereal, raspberries, green beans, peas, avocado and carrots. It is pretty fun to watch them eat. Sutton loves her food!! And Avery goes crazy for sweet potatoes.

2nd Anniversary

Monday was our anniversary as I mentioned before and we had a great little date night. After my sister arrived to watch the girls, we headed downtown to a wine bar. We each had a glass (wine for me, red for hubby) and great conversation.

We had dinner reservations at Campo (one of our favorite Reno restaurants) sans babies. Whenever we go to a date night dinner, we indulge in everything. We have the time (no screaming babies around) and a huge appetite. We started off with wood fired cauliflower and a fritto misto plate. Sorry no pictures, but it was really good.

Then we moved onto our entrees. I got the special rigatoni of the day (hearty bolognese) and my husband got the black and white spaghetti (chorizo, prawns, peppers, bread crumbs on regular and squid ink spaghetti). All pasta is homemade and you can definitely tell that it is. So good.

It was a lot of food, but we managed to finish it all. Plus a bottle of wine.

Then it was time for dessert because you must have dessert on your anniversary. My husband opted for gelato and I got my favorite dessert of ALL TIME. Carmel Budino. Best thing ever. I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life. It is that good.

Chocolate waffer cookie, salted caramel, vanilla pudding and whipped cream. HEAVEN!

Not a very good picture of me, but I was happy to have this dessert and an evening out with my husband

We were so stuffed from dinner that we headed home to catch up with my sister (well I did, hubby slept on the couch while we caught up) and watch a little Bachelor in Paradise. My how times have changed. Last year we were in San Francisco for our anniversary. I may have been pregnant with twins but we ran all over that city.

Here is to another 50 plus years with my babe! Love you Mr. Butler.

The Joys of Weaning

If this post seems off please forgive me. I am running on zero sleep over here. I even split coffee down my white shirt and didn't notice. There is no amount of coffee that can help me today. Ugh. Weaning is a bitch and I wasn't/am not prepared for this last hurdle part. Over the last 5 weeks I have been weaning from the pump. Each week I have dropped a pump 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1. I am currently in the struggle that is 2 to 1.

Each week was pretty easy until I went from 3 to 2 pumps. I got engorged by the time 12 hours hit when I was doing two a day, but it wasn't bad at all. I didn't notice it that much except two nights when I leaked milk in my bed. No biggie.

And as last week progressed, I started making my second pump of the day shorter and shorter (15 mins, 10 mins, 5 mins), so I could be prepared for jumping to one pump a day. I even had it in my mind that going from 2 to 1 wouldn't even matter and I may not even have to worry about it. Boy was I wrong.

Monday was my first attempt at 1 pump. That didn't work, so I pumped at 4 pm so I could enjoy my anniversary dinner. Tuesday came and I had a slight clogged duct in my left boob, so I pumped on that boob two extra times at 5 minutes each just for relief. It didn't work. Last night was awful. I hadn't pumped at all on the right side all day (since the 5 am one) and it was ok. I was engorged but doing just fine. I bought some cabbage leaves and sage tea since it was recommended all over the internet. The cabbage does work. It felt good. It stinks, but feels good.

I took out the cabbage when it was time for bed, put a towel down because I knew I would leak and went to sleep. That was at 11 pm (I fell asleep on the couch for about an hour prior) and I was awake again at 1:30 until about 4 pm in misery. My boobs hurt. I was so engorged it hurt to lay on my back, to lay on my side or just lay down. I felt hot and awful. No sleep. Ugh.

5 am came and I pumped (for my only pump of the day) and felt some relief. My right side is better but I still have this stupid clog in the left. I brought my pump to work in case it gets that bad. But I may do a heating pad session and a 5 minute pump to get rid of this clog. And only the left side which was only producing a few ounces anyways. But tonight I have lots of advil and scotch ready to knock this momma out.

Ouch. I am hoping tonight is better and my body can get used to once a day and then none. I am trying to dry it up quickly. Any recommendations? I wanted to be done pumping by Saturday but I am fearing I will have to pump the 5 am time. But maybe not. Here is to hoping cabbage and sage tea work pronto.

Weaning sucks and I can't wait to have my boobies back.

Weekending and My Anniversary

It's Monday again, but this Monday is special because it is my 2nd wedding anniversary. I can't believe how fast two years went. We have traveled a lot (but still have so many places to visit), got pregnant with twins, had a crazy pregnancy, delivered our baby girls early, had surgery three times and now are crazy busy raising our girls and our pup. There is no one I would rather be on this journey with than you my handsome husband. I love you! Happy Anniversary!

This weekend was another busy one. I ran a bunch of errands for the wedding I am in this upcoming weekend. My dress finally fits, now to get it steamed. I also received my shoes in the mail and they fit. Win.

I did a clay canvas class with my mom, sister, aunt and friends. It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to go back and paint so many more things. You can bring in wine and food and hang out as long as you want. You paint any ceramic piece however you like and then a week later you pick it up after it has been glazed. I can't wait to see my finished product. I did a fun little new trick there. Stay tuned for pictures.

Sunday we went to the beach (Hidden Beach, Lake Tahoe) again. See I told you I would try to go as much as I can before the end of summer. This time we left the ladies at home. Alone. Just kidding. My in-laws watched the girls for us so we could take our pup and have a day with him. He loved it.

I worked on my tan, got some much need relaxation time and cuddles with my little dude. Sunday night we ordered in pizza, bathed the girls, took their helmets off one last time and watched some Bachelor in Paradise.

Too bad we didn't sleep well last night. The girls weren't too sure how to react to their helmets coming off so they woke up about once an hour between the two of them. Let's hope each subsequent night goes better. But I am so happy the helmets are off. Now we can see their precious heads all the time, see how much their hair has grown in, cuddle them easier and kiss their sweet heads. This momma is happy. I think the girls are too. They can't stop rubbing their heads haha.

Here is to a super busy week ahead. Wish me luck and see you on the flip side.

Oh Hey Friday

Another Friday here and I couldn't be happier.

One. I have my follow up appointment from my umbilical hernia surgery. I am not that happy with my surgery results. I mean they are fine, but part of my belly button (on the right side) still sticks out some and my doctor said my belly button would go back in more. When I was stretching in bed, it felt like my incision area was ripped open. This has happened a few times and I am so scared to do certain workouts at the gym due to it and finally my scar is healing all wacky. It is bumpy-ish and internet searches suggest too much glue was used. So these are the things I am talking to my doctor about. And the bad part is, I may have to have surgery again to fix it all. When I did my first post op, he said if it didn't go in more, he would have to fix it (and it better be for free). I don't want surgery again, but I want my belly button area to look normal again. Ugh. Decisions.

Two. I am doing a clay canvas class with my mom, sister, extended family and friends tomorrow. Girls day. I am excited about this as I love Picasso and Wine and this is the same concept but with clay. I loved my clay classes in high school and college, so I get to work my inner artist out again. My mom and I are choosing things to go in the girls room. Can't wait to share pictures with you all.

Three. Sunday we are hitting the beach again. Yes! I love Tahoe and we haven't gone much at all this year (once). And this momma needs a tan before Nathalie's wedding next weekend. Maybe a stop at Garwoods for a Wet Woody is in order too.

 Give me all the Wet Woody's

Four. Helmets. My dear baby girls get their helmets off on Sunday. I am super excited about this. We will get to see their beautiful heads all the time now. Not just an hour a day thing anymore. I can say the helmets worked beyond our hopes. The girls heads are super round. They are probably more round then mommy or daddy's heads. We will find out the measurements next Friday to see the full amount of change. But at last appointment they were already in the normal range. Avery was at a 4 and Sutton was at a 5. With 6 and under being in the normal. 

 Say bye bye to your helmets ladies

Five. Fall is right around the corner and that means some of my favorite things ever are upon us. Leaves turning, fall clothes, boots, Apple Hill, pumpkin spice lattes, holidays and FOOTBALL! Less than 3 weeks until the first Wolf Pack football game (September 3rd) and preseason has started. Can't wait to watch my Niners. And I can't wait to introduce the ladies to football because they will be going to all home games and be watching it on tv all weekend long. Get ready girls!

Hope you have a good weekend. See you on Monday.

Random Thursday

So I just got a call from my husband saying that today is my day. A big day for me. I was super confused until he told me it was...

 image

I love being a left-hander, but it has definitely had its challenges over the years. Opening cans with a can opener, using right hander scissors, getting pencil all over my hand as it drags across the page when writing, etc. But being a left hander has been awesome in ways too. It is always harder for pitchers to pitch a ball to left handers. I used to always hit the ball. I am more ambidextrous.

I really hope at least one of my baby girls is left handed. But they say it is still too early to know.

In other news, I am down to two pumps per day. One at 5 am and one at 4 pm. I am trying to space them out around 12 hours (I know that isn't 12 hours). So far it has been pretty good. I am huge by 3 pm or so, but then I am good to go after that through the next morning. On Saturday and Sunday, I will be cutting one of those pumps shorter to prep for my one pump per day which starts Monday. I am hoping by the end of the week (Friday) that I will be able to go pump free just in time for Nick and Nathalie's wedding on Saturday the 22nd. 

I am still mixed on this weaning deal, but I think it is just the hormones. I love the benefits it gives to my daughters and myself (burns all the calories!), but I am wanting my body back. I don't want to deal with weekly clogs and pain anymore. I want more time with my babies. I have a good stash of milk in the freezer and plan to give my girls at least one or two bottles a day of breast milk once I am done pumping until all the milk is gone. So hopefully by 8 1/2 or 9 months. It has been a good run and I am proud I have gone this far. I had a goal of 6 months and I have been going strong for almost 8 months now. And I am still producing a ton of milk for the girls!

I wish it was Friday. I have some fun things planned this weekend, but next week is pretty busy for me with my anniversary, beauty appointments and a wedding. Bring on the busy.  

Weekending

Another weekend in the books, and a great one at that.

Friday I worked late to make up some time from the girls helmet doctor appointments. Then we ran errands upon errands followed by dinner at home. And I finally watched American Sniper. Such a great but sad movie.

Saturday we went out to brunch, hung out at home and then went to my dad's retirement party. I can't believe he was in the Army for almost 34 years. So crazy. But it was a great time and my dad really loved the party. And everyone loved seeing the girls. That evening we ordered in pizza and had a laid back night.

 Happy babies love to cuddle in the morning

Sunday we went to Lake Tahoe for the first time this year. I can't believe it took us ALL summer to finally get to the lake (but it is so hard with twins to get out of the house sometimes), but we did, and the girls loved it. It was beautiful out. The girls didn't care for the super cold water, but mommy and daddy loved it.

Suns out, helmets off!

After the beach, we headed home to give the girls a bath and get ready for dinner. My in-laws came over to watch the girls and my hubby and I went to dinner with my family for my dad's and my birthday (dinner place isn't the best place for babies). So good, but I overstuffed myself.

We came home to watch the season finale of True Detective which was such a sad ending. I liked the ending, but basically everyone loses (I won't get into the details in case someone hasn't watched it yet).

How was your weekend?